KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After authorities shut down Care-a-lot daycare for operating illegally, one mother’s nightmare came rushing back. Now she’s reaching out to parents with a warning.
Alecia Boone said she froze when she heard about Care-a-lot daycare on television. At first she thought it might have been the same daycare as her daughter’s. It wasn’t, but Boone still wanted to warn other parents so they don’t have to go through the pain she still deals with.
On May 31, 2009, Boone dropped her healthy daughter Aniyah off at a daycare in Merriam, Kan. Five hours later she received a call saying her daughter wouldn’t wake up from a nap.
The official cause of death — brain injury and lacerated liver. No one was charged and the case was closed. Investigators couldn’t figure out who caused the injuries.
Boone said there are many similarities — both daycares had numerous complaints filed against them. Boone said parents should do more research.
“I would like to educate parents to actually investigate,” Boone said. “I know that parents have to work, but you know kids come first and you trusting a daycare to watch your kids while you’re at work trying to make a living. I would like to educate them to further investigate because sometimes it’s not worth it
Alecia, who has two other daughters, says her therapy is cake decorating and tattoos. She says it would bring her peace if investigators reopened her daughter’s case.
If you suspect child abuse, neglect or exploitation at a child care facility, contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.
Learn more about daycares in Missouri.
Learn more about daycare in Kansas.
